The language of the soul
“To have another language is to possess a second soul.” Charlemagne. Exploring the impact of another language on our spirituality is fascinating. Language helps give individuals a unique perspective and understanding of the world, enriching their souls and broadening their horizons.
Language helps shape our thoughts and identities, gives expression to our values and traditions, and enables us to experience a cultural community. Language is part of our cultural consciousness. Music and song, for example, can inspire anything from deep religious fervour to laughter and frolic.
How does language touch spirituality, that nonphysical, emotional and intellectual energy that we call soul? A lifetime experience of praying in several languages may be beneficial, as is the ability to call out to God for help multilingually.
My first experience of language was German, my mother tongue. As a baby I heard my mother sing a lullaby in German. I later translated it to:
Sleep, baby sleep,
Your father tends the sheep
Your mother shakes the dreamland tree
And from it fall sweet dreams for thee
Sleep, baby, sleep.
Besides the comfort and security of this first memory, spirituality was experienced in the religious traditions, prayers, songs and customs of the German community. The sacred and profane mixed in ribald wedding songs and customs. German more specifically impacted the Sunday worship.
The Gospel was read in German, and the homily was in German. English came along later. Part of my prayer consciousness is still in German. Years of German prayer, rosaries and hymns still move me as only “Stille Nacht” [“Silent Night”] or “Grosser Gott” [Holy God We Praise Thy Name] can.
My foray into the French language was limited to high school, but I did pick up the nationalistic spirit of “La Marseillaise” and the fun and frivolity of the chicken song “La Poulette.” Spiritually, I remember the sign of the cross.
Latin had a deeper impact on my spirituality. Not only did I learn Latin hymns and prayers, but they became a part of my spiritual growth. I can picture hopes and dreams of my life’s journey, especially through the struggles of youth, with a song of contrition in my heart:
Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel
Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night
John Lang’s lyrics and artists Mr. Mister with their 1980’s hit “Kyrie” gave me the inspiration to continue my life on the road to perfection with a “Lord have mercy” on my lips. Very similar to the German version of “God be merciful to me a sinner.”
Just maybe there is an advantage to being able to ask God’s forgiveness in several languages. Latin absolution was the experience of my childhood.
The Latin Requiem Mass stays in memory and at times can console us. In Paradisum – “May the angels lead you into paradise.” When it comes to “Eternal memory,” several languages are usually at play.
The celebration of Easter Resurrection always involves an image of the risen Christ carried in procession with the banner “Der Heiland ist Erstanden” [Christ has Risen]. Hallelujahs ring out in many languages and spellings. "Alleluia" or "Hallelujah" represents a call to praise derived from the Hebrew "Hallelu Yah" (a shortened form for Yahweh), which simply means, "Praise the Lord."
Exposure to another language helps us transcend a more singular perspective and explore the interconnectedness of all beings. This should lead us to a greater capacity for empathy and understanding and impact our spiritual growth.
(581 words)
